The Professional Energy Manager (PEM) Program is a unique opportunity for employees of state or local government, k-12 schools, utilities, non-profits, and NGOs to enhance their knowledge of the energy management field. Those selected to attend will receive a tuition-free practical and real-world energy management education. Upon passing a final exam, participants will earn the designation of Professional Energy Manager through the Institute of Energy Professionals, a nationally recognized credential.

The PEM Program will foster an operational environment of excellence and will promote energy cost savings across the state through conservation and efficiency in the public and private sectors.

Who is eligible?

Eligible participants include those who provide energy management related technical assistance (e.g., audits, strategic energy planning, energy project / program development and implementation, grant / proposal writing) or education (e.g., classroom or workshop sessions) to the public, commercial and/or industrial sectors.

Applications must include an evaluation of the potential impact of PEM training as it relates to one or more of the following:  (1) the buildings or facilities the applicant is responsible for; (2) the portion of the applicant’s workload that is dedicated to providing energy management related technical assistance; ( (3) the number of energy related projects managed by the applicant; (4) the number of energy related grant proposals written annually; and/or (5) the development or improvement of curricula for classes or workshops taught by the applicant.   After completing the course sessions, participants will take and must pass an exam in order to receive their PEM certification.

All wishing to attend should submit an application packet as outlined under Submission Guidelines & Criteria.

When and where will the training sessions be held?

All training sessions will be held at:

Tennessee Technological University
242 East 10th Street
Cookeville, TN 38505

Training will consist of five, three-day sessions, over five months:

• Session I February 14-16
• Session II March 27-29
• Session III April 18-20
• Session IV May 30- June 1
• Session V June 27-29

Days will start at 8:00 am and end at 4:30 pm. There will be breaks, including for lunch, but meals will not be provided. Participants must attend every session, each day. Do not apply if scheduling conflicts exist or are likely to arise. Session topics are listed under Session Information.

Submission Guidelines & Criteria

Selection for the PEM Program will be a competitive process, and applications will be evaluated based on the applicants’ qualifications, roles, and impacts.

Application submissions are due by 5:00 pm Central Standard Time, Friday, December 12, 2016 and must contain:

1. Completed application form CN-1468.
2. Narrative detailing the following:
   • Provide a brief description of your current job/position.
   • Indicate the number of buildings or facilities and/or square footage, if any, you are assigned to operate and maintain.
   • Describe the types of energy related projects, programs, or initiatives you are assigned to (e.g., energy data analysis, energy efficiency project identification and implementation, energy assessments or audits, education, outreach, and technical assistance efforts), and list the internal or external stakeholders with whom you engage (e.g., local governments, k-12 schools, quasi-governmental entities, utilities, and other energy-related programs).
   • Why are you interested in this program?
   • How do you intend to put this knowledge to use? In other words, how will your work benefit from this program?
3. Résumé detailing relevant professional and educational experience.
4. Letter of recommendation from your supervisor addressed to Molly Cripps, Director, TDEC Office of Energy Programs.

Applications should be sent to Jaclyn Mothupi at Jaclyn.Mothupi@tn.gov. The deadline for submission is 5:00 pm Central Standard Time, Friday, December 12, 2016. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Selected and waitlisted applicants will be notified of status by Monday, January 9, 2017.

Participants will be required to take the final exam within 30 days of the completion of the training and submit quarterly reports to TDEC OEP for one year following completion of the training.  These reports will detail (1) the development and implementation of Strategic Energy Plan(s) for the buildings or facility(ies) overseen by a participant or for which a participant provides technical assistance, (2) energy related technical assistance provided by the participant, and/or (3) the continuing impact of this training opportunity (e.g., expanded professional development, facilitation of peer and cohort exchanges, projects designed and/or implemented, energy cost savings, etc.).  TDEC OEP will provide reporting templates to participants during the training sessions. The trainings sessions will cover the development and implementation of Strategic Energy Plans.

Do not submit an application if you will not be able to attend every class or you will not be able to comply with the reporting requirements.

While this is a tuition-free program, participants are responsible for all travel related expenses, including lodging, mileage, and meals. No meals will be provided during the training sessions.  A lunch break will be included.

For details regarding similar programs and their impacts, please visit NC State University, Energy Management Certificate Program.

Session Information

Topics:

• Energy Software– Basic overview of how to navigate Energy Star Portfolio Manager and EnergyCAP.
• National Energy Overview – Get a historical perspective and learn about the future of energy resources based on supply and demand of electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, etc.
• Legislation, Codes, and Standards – Governmental rules, regulations, executive orders, laws, and technical society codes and standards impacting energy utilization, efficiency, and costs.
• What Makes an Effective Energy Management Program? – Proven strategies and techniques from successful energy management programs.
• Electric Utility Rate Review and Calculations – Gain an understanding of electric rates, how they are structured, and how to optimize their application.
• Renewable Energy Overview – Learn about the current status of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal, with a focus on overall economic viability.
• Energy Calculations – Learn energy conversion factors, formulas, and how to apply them in analyzing system consumption, costs, and projecting savings for energy initiatives.
• Procurement of Fuels (Natural Gas) – Learn industry terminology, the structure of the natural gas market today, and what impacts the cost of natural gas.
• Energy Assessments and Instrumentation – Receive information about the instruments and tools available for energy measurements.
• Energy Economics/Life Cycle Costing – Learn various analysis techniques for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy projects and equipment with emphasis on life cycle costing approaches for comparing alternatives.
• How to Conduct an Energy Audit – Learn proven planning techniques and strategies from award-winning energy programs to assure a productive and successful energy survey.
• Metrics – Evaluating Energy Data/Information – Learn approaches and techniques for analyzing energy consumption data and identifying savings opportunities.  Techniques for securing needed consumption information will also be discussed.
• Establishing an Effective Energy Management Program – An overall approach summarizing the major factors impacting the success of energy programs with emphasis on program structure and energy training.
• Developing and Implementing Energy Management Projects – This presentation reviews key elements and strategies to achieve sustainable energy/environmental savings and long-term maintenance cost reductions.
• Understanding the Corporate Culture – Receive insight into the philosophy of corporate management and how to market an energy management program or strategy to top management.
• Techniques for Working with People – Learn techniques for establishing program priorities and consensus decision making.
• Strategic Energy Planning – Learn proven methodologies and strategies for developing a successful sustainable energy management program for your facility.
• Electric Motors and Power Quality – AC motor operation and performance, the differences between standard and premium efficiency motors, when motor rewinding is warranted, and a review of the fan laws.  Also, you will learn about power quality and strategies.
• Fundamentals of HVAC Systems – The basic HVAC process as well as types of distribution systems, airside economizers, fan law applications, and strategies for controlling costs.
• Chillers and Cooling Towers – Types of chillers and cooling towers, as well as the fundamentals of efficient operation.  In addition, heat exchanger types, performance, and applications will be reviewed.
• Thermal Energy Storage – Examine the fundamentals of thermal energy storage (TES) systems, with a focus on ice and chilled water system advantages and disadvantages.
• Geothermal Heat Pumps – Fundamentals of the geothermal heat pump, including different systems and factors affecting design and performance.
• Commercial and Industrial Ventilation – Current ASHRAE standards involving building ventilation and methods for providing acceptable indoor air quality while minimizing energy consumption.
• Boilers and Steam Systems – The cost of wasted steam, steam system efficiency, steam quality, and other topics impacting steam system efficiency, such as steam traps.
• Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Lighting – Review the fundamentals of various lighting sources, including cost-effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, and preferred applications.  Lighting control techniques will also be examined.
• Compressed Air Systems – Fundamentals of compressed air systems, including methodologies for minimizing costs associated with its generation, distribution, and application.
• Energy Metrics / Building Management Systems – Functions and application of energy monitoring/management systems, including localized EMS, remote limited and multi-functional EMS, and web-based monitoring approaches.
• Analyzing and Optimizing Pumping Systems – Fundamentals of hydronic pumping systems and strategies for optimizing performance and minimizing costs.
• DDC Controls – Specifications, Procurement, and Commissioning – A close look at critical DDC specification issues, including procurement challenges, non-traditional solutions, and the overall commissioning process with a focus on DDC controls.
• Building Envelope Analysis – Thermal properties of various construction materials, how building space conditioning loads are calculated, and which factors most influence heating and cooling energy consumption.

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